Cathy Gazda, Painter, Mixed Media & Sculptor

Biography:

I moved to Sedona in 1987 with my beloved husband and fellow-artist, Paul Gazda.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to draw and paint. Growing up on the Great Lakes – exploring forests and meadows, and living on a houseboat during my childhood summers – provided me with a unique and rich connection to Nature.

In addition to obtaining a degree in psychology, I studied at The New School of Art with Dennis Burton, Bob Markle, David Bolduc, Ross Mendes, Gordon Rayner, Graham Coughtry and Dan Soloman. Abstract painting at the Ontario College of Art with Paul Sloggett and a workshop with Joyce Weiland inspired me to move beyond traditional painting methods and explore expression outside the box. Eugenia Everett became my friend and sculpting mentor in the late 1980s. I was honored to assist Eugenia in creating her monumental sculpture “Aria”, installed May 2000 at The Lodge in Sedona, Arizona.

The act of creating affirms and enriches my life…and is the root from which I move through the world. Art and Music carry me through each day, shaping and creating who I am. For years, I used to think it was the other way around.

I have an inquisitive mind and heart. I yearn to understand the world. Art and Music, in their many varied expressions, provide great pathways to reach across and transcend all borders and boundaries.

Whether creating in acrylics, watercolor, clay, wood or fabric, I also hope to convey my love of wild-life and wild places in Nature. An avid photographer for over 40 years, I enjoy photographing animals, birds, plants, insects, reptiles and landscapes; and, will use these as reference material for my paintings and sculptures.

My work has been displayed in numerous national shows and museum venues including the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum’s “Birds In Art”.

In 2008, the Woodson Art Museum chose my painting “Upstream” for the “Birds In Art” exhibition poster, as well as for their advertisements in Southwest Art Magazine and the Chicago-area newspapers. “Upstream” was also selected as one of 50 works for the museum’s traveling national “Birds In Art” tour throughout 2009. From May 9-August 16, 2009, the Frank H. McClung Museum in Knoxville, Tennessee featured “Upstream” on their exhibition postcard and banner.

One of my sculptures, “The Promise of Peace”, is featured on the cover of Embodying Spirit: The Inner Work of the Warrior by George Breed, PhD. (available through Amazon.com).

Creating out of my home studio, I’m honored to have my artwork in private collections throughout the United States and Canada.

It means a lot to me that you would take the time to view my artwork…thank you!

Statement:

I love to explore. Delving into many mediums and potentialities in artistic expression is like holding a map to a secret treasure. The possibilities for creating a relationship between form and color are limitless! Ultimately, it’s all about the artistic journey. If, in the end, I can share my vision and connect in a meaningful way with you…well, that’s about as good as it gets.

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